Apparatus and method for providing shipment information

ABSTRACT

An apparatus, including a shipment conveyance device which is a shipping container, pallet, piece of luggage, or tote, a memory device located in, on, or at, the shipment conveyance device which stores information regarding the shipment conveyance device, a global positioning device located in, on, or at, the shipment conveyance device which determines a position or location of the shipment conveyance device, a processing device which processes information regarding the shipment conveyance device in response to an occurrence of an event or a request for information and which generates a message containing information regarding the position or location of the shipment conveyance device and information regarding the occurrence of an event, a status of a shipment or transportation involving the shipment conveyance device, a temperature, or an impact or force on the shipment conveyance device, and a transmitter located in, on, or at, the shipment conveyance device which transmits the message to a communication device.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/055,116, filed Jan. 22, 2002, entitled“APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING SHIPMENT INFORMATION”, now U.S. Pat.No. 7,253,731, the subject matter of which is hereby incorporated byreference herein. This application also claims the benefit of thepriority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/263,877,filed Jan. 23, 2001, and entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDINGSHIPMENT INFORMATION”, the subject matter of which is herebyincorporated by reference herein,

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for providingshipment information and, in particular, to an apparatus and method forproviding shipment information which can be attached to, integratedwith, located and/or positioned on, and/or located and/or positioned in,a shipment conveyance device, a pallet, a container, a tote, and/or anyshipment conveyance structure or apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The shipping, delivery, and freight, services industries account forbillions of dollars in revenues annually. Billions of dollars are spenteach year in shipping and/or delivering goods, products, items, and/orother objects, which are the subject of commercial as well asnon-commercial transactions. In recent years, the growth of electroniccommerce and electronic retailers (so called “e-tailers”) has onlyincreased the need for shipping, delivery, and/or freight delivery,services.

In a great majority of instances, shipped or delivered goods, products,items, and/or other objects, are shipped in shipping containers, onpallets, in cargo containers, in boxes, in envelopes, and/or in totes.Senders or receivers of shipped goods, products, items, and/or otherobjects, have only very limited means available to them for obtainingshipment information regarding shipments in transit and/or in thepossession of a carrier or transporter.

In this ever-growing information age, the ability to have informationavailable at one's fingertips, and/or in an instant, continues to fuelthe desire to have more and more information accessible upon demand.With an ever-increasing amount of goods, products, items, and/orobjects, being the subject of shipments and/or deliveries, there is nodoubt that tremendous value can be found in allowing a sender, acarrier, or a receiver, of a shipment or delivery, to obtain informationregarding the respective shipment or delivery while the respectiveshipment or delivery is in progress and/or shortly thereafter.

Many goods, products, items, and/or objects, are shipped or deliveredon, or in, reusable shipping conveyance devices, pallets, containers,boxes, envelopes, and/or totes. Presently, there appears to be no systemor device available which can facilitate providing shipment information,regarding a shipment or delivery, to interested parties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for providingshipment information which overcomes the shortfalls of the prior art.The present invention provides and apparatus and method for providingshipment information which can be attached to, integrated with, locatedand/or positioned on, and/or located and/or positioned in, a shipmentconveyance device, a pallet, a container, a tote, and/or any shipmentconveyance structure or apparatus.

The present invention also provides an apparatus and method forproviding and/or for processing information regarding a shipment ofgoods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entitieswhich can be shipped and/or transported via any of the herein-describedshipment conveyance devices, pallets, containers, totes, and/or anyshipment conveyance structures or apparatuses.

The present invention can be utilized on, positioned on, positioned in,located on, located in, integrated with, built-into, or utilized inconjunction with, any of the herein-described shipment conveyancedevices, pallets, containers, totes, and/or any shipment conveyancestructures or apparatuses.

The present invention also provides a system for utilizing the apparatusand method of the present invention in conjunction with a carriercomputer, a sender or shipping entity computer, a receiver or receivingentity computer, and/or a central processing computer, for facilitatinguse of the apparatus and method of the present invention in a networkenvironment.

The present invention can be utilized in conjunction with shipmentconveyance devices, pallets, containers, totes, and/or any shipmentconveyance structures or apparatuses, of any size, kind, or type.

The present invention includes a shipment conveyance device, a pallet, acontainer, a tote, and/or any shipment conveyance structure, and ashipment conveyance device computer.

The present invention can also include a carrier computer orcommunication device which is associated with the carrier which isutilized to transport the shipment conveyance device.

The present invention can also include a sender or shipping entitycomputer or communication device which is associated with the a senderor shipping entity who or which is effecting shipment of the respectivegoods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities,which can be shipped on, in, or in conjunction with, the shipmentconveyance devices.

The present invention also includes a receiver or receiving entitycomputer or communication device which is associated with the a receiveror receiving entity who or which is receiving shipment of the respectivegoods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities,which can be shipped on, in, or in conjunction with, the shipmentconveyance devices.

The present invention can also include a central processing computerwhich can be utilized to administer, manage, and/or control, theoperation of the system and/or any of the shipment conveyance devicecomputers, the carrier computers, the sender computers, and/or thereceiver computers.

The shipment conveyance device computers, carrier computers, sendercomputers, receiver computers, and/or central processing computers, cancommunicate with, transmit information to, and/or receive informationfrom, any shipment conveyance device computers, carrier computers,sender computers, receiver computers, and/or central processingcomputers, over any suitable communication network or system, including,but not limited to a telephone network, a telecommunication network, adigital communication network, a satellite communication network, awireless communication network, a personal communication servicesnetwork, a broadband communication network, a bluetooth communicationnetwork, the Internet, the World Wide Web, and/or any othercommunication network and/or system.

The present invention can be utilized on, over, and/or in conjunctionwith, any suitable communication network or system, including, but notlimited to a telephone network, a telecommunication network, a digitalcommunication network, a satellite communication network, a wirelesscommunication network, a personal communication services network, abroadband communication network, a bluetooth communication network, theInternet, the World Wide Web, and/or any other communication networkand/or system.

Any of the shipping conveyance device computers, the carrier computers,the sender computers, the receiver computers, and/or the centralprocessing computers, can include, a central processing unit (CPU), arandom access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), an input device, areading or scanning device, a display device, a receiver, a transmitter,a database, and an output device, and/or any other devices needed and/ordesired for performing the functions of the respective computers.

The shipment conveyance device computer can also include a globalpositioning device which can be utilized in order to determine theposition and/or location of the shipment conveyance device computer. Theshipment conveyance device computer can also include a sensor devicewhich be utilized in order to monitor and/or to measure temperature,impact forces, and/or other environmental activity and/or other activityinvolving the shipment conveyance device computer.

The present invention can be utilized on, in, and/or in conjunction withshipment conveyance devices, pallets, containers, refrigeratedcontainers, protective containers, totes, boxes, envelopes, bags, canvasbags, and/or any shipment conveyance structures or apparatuses, of anysize, kind, or type.

The present invention can be utilized on, in, and/or in conjunctionwith, shipment conveyance devices can also be cargo containers or anytype, kind, shape, or size, which can be utilized trucks, cars,vehicles, trains, boats, ships, marine vessels, aircraft, airplanes, ofany kind or type for performing ground, sea and air, transport. Theshipping conveyance device computer can be attached to, built into,integrated with, and/or placed inside, the shipping conveyance device.

The present invention can be utilized in order to provide informationregarding a shipment or delivery to any one or more of a carrier ortransporter of the shipment, to the receiver or receiving entity of theshipment, and/or to the central processing computer and/or to theoperator or administrator of the present invention.

The present invention can also be utilized in order to access theshipment conveyance device computer, via any one or more of therespective carrier computer(s), sender computer(s), receivercomputer(s), and/or the central processing computer(s), and to obtaininformation regarding the shipment from the shipment conveyance devicecomputer.

The present invention can also provide location information and/orposition information regarding the shipment. The present invention canalso provide status updates to any one or more of the carrier, thesender, the receiver, and/or an administrator, regarding the shipment.

The present invention can also generate status messages which cancontain information regarding the shipment. The present invention canalso transmit the status messages to any of the respective carriercomputers, the sender computer(s), the receiver computer(s), and/or thecentral processing computer(s).

Upon the delivery of the shipment, the present invention can be utilizedin order to access and obtain information from the shipment conveyancedevice computer.

The present invention can also generate a shipment delivery message andtransmit same to any one or more of the carrier computer(s), the sendercomputer(s), the receiver computer(s), and/or the central processingcomputer(s).

The present invention can also be utilized in order to providenotification to any one or more of a sender, a carrier, a receiver,and/or an administrator, of any one or more of a lost shipment, anoff-track shipment, a delayed shipment, a damaged shipment, and/or amis-delivered shipment.

The present invention can await the detection of a processing event andgenerate an appropriate notification message in order to providenotification to any one or more of the carrier, the sender, thereceiver, and/or the administrator, of the detected processing event.

In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus and method of the presentinvention can be utilized in order to verify that a shipment is beingdelivered to the proper receiver.

The present invention can determine whether a receiver is the correctreceiver for receiving the shipment. If the receiver is not the correctreceiver of the shipment, the present invention can generate anappropriate signal or stimulus which can be provided to the receiver orthe carrier. The present invention can also cancel the delivery andgenerate and transmit, to a respective party or parties, a mis-deliverednotification message indicating that the receiver is not the correctreceiver.

If the present invention determines that the receiver is the correctreceiver, the present invention can generate an appropriate signal orstimulus which can be provided to the receiver or the carrier. Thepresent invention can also generate a delivery notification message andtransmit same, to a respective party or parties, indicating that thereceiver is the correct receiver and/or that delivery of the shipmenthas been effected.

The present invention can also be utilized in order to generate and/orprocess information regarding an insurance claim involving a shipmentwhich has been lost, stolen, damaged, and/or mis-delivered, duringshipment, transport, and/or delivery, by the carrier.

The present invention can await the detection of a processing eventwhich can lead to the filing of an insurance claim regarding or relatingto the shipment. The present invention can detect the processing event,process information regarding same and/or relating to same, and generatean insurance claim message which contains information regarding theprocessing event and information for filing an appropriate insuranceclaim.

The present invention can also transmit the insurance claim message toany one or more of the carrier, the sender, the receiver, and/or theadministrator. The present invention can also transmit the insuranceclaim message to any one or more of the carrier computer, the sendercomputer, the receiver computer, and/or the central processing computer.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for providing shipment information.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method for providing shipment information which can be attached to,integrated with, located and/or positioned on, and/or located and/orpositioned in, a shipment conveyance device, a pallet, a container, atote, and/or any shipment conveyance structure or apparatus.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for providing shipment information which canprocess information regarding a shipment of goods, products, items,entities, objects.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for providing shipment information which canprocess information regarding a shipment of goods, products, items,entities, objects which can be shipped and/or transported via shipmentconveyance devices, pallets, containers, totes, and/or any shipmentconveyance structures or apparatuses.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method for providing shipment information which provides a systemfor utilizing the apparatus and method of the present invention.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for providing shipment information which provides asystem for utilizing the apparatus and method of the present inventionin conjunction with a carrier computer, a sender or shipping entitycomputer, a receiver or receiving entity computer, and/or a centralprocessing computer.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for providing shipment information in a networkenvironment.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method for providing shipment information which can be utilized inconjunction with shipment conveyance devices, pallets, containers,totes, and/or any shipment conveyance structures or apparatuses, of anysize, kind, or type.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for providing shipment information which can beutilized on, or over, any one or more of a telephone network, atelecommunication network, a digital communication network, a satellitecommunication network, a wireless communication network, a personalcommunication services network, a broadband communication network, abluetooth communication network, and/or any communication network.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for providing shipment information which can beutilized on, or over, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method for providing shipment information which can be utilized inconjunction with a global positioning system.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for providing shipment information which can beutilized in conjunction with a locating and/or positioning system.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for providing shipment information which can beutilized to determine the position and/or location of the a shipment.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method for providing shipment information which can be utilized todetermine the position and/or location of the a shipment conveyancedevice or a shipment conveyance device computer.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for providing shipment information which can beutilized to monitor and/or to measure temperature, impact forces, and/orother environmental activity and/or other activity involving the ashipment, a shipment conveyance device, or a shipment conveyance devicecomputer.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for providing shipment information which can beutilized in conjunction with any one or more of ground, land, rail, sea,water, and air, shipments or deliveries.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method for providing shipment information which can be utilized inorder to provide information regarding a shipment to a sender of theshipment, to a carrier of the shipment, or a receiver of the shipment.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for providing shipment information which can beutilized in order to access a shipment conveyance device computer.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for providing shipment information which can beutilized in order to access and obtain information from a shipmentconveyance device computer.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method for providing shipment information which can provide statusinformation, updates, or messages, regarding a shipment.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for providing shipment information which canprovide status information, updates, or messages, regarding a shipmentto a carrier, a sender, or a receiver, of a shipment.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for providing shipment information which canprovide shipment delivery information or messages regarding a shipment.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method for providing shipment information which can provide shipmentdelivery information or messages regarding a shipment to a carrier, asender, or a receiver, of a shipment.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for providing shipment information which canprovide notification of a lost shipment, an off-track shipment, adelayed shipment, a damaged shipment, or a mis-delivered shipment, to asender, a carrier, or a receiver, of a shipment.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for providing shipment information which can detecta processing event.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method for providing shipment information which can provide anotification message to a sender, carrier, or receiver, in response to adetection of a processing event.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for providing shipment information which can beutilized in order to verify that a shipment is being delivered to thecorrect receiver.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for providing shipment information which candetermine whether a receiver is the correct receiver for receiving ashipment.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method for providing shipment information which can cancel adelivery of a shipment upon determining that a receiver is not thecorrect receiver of a shipment.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for providing shipment information which provideinformation of a delivery of a shipment to a wrong party.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for providing shipment information which candetermine that a shipment is delivered to a correct party.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method for providing shipment information which provides a deliverynotification message.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for providing shipment information which provides adelivery notification message to a sender, a carrier, or a receiver, ofa shipment.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for providing shipment information which providesinformation regarding an insurance claim involving a shipment which hasbeen lost, stolen, damaged, and/or mis-delivered.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method for providing shipment information which can file aninsurance claim regarding or relating to a shipment.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for providing shipment information which can detecta processing event which gives rise to a filing of an insurance claim

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for providing shipment information which canprovide an insurance claim message to a carrier, a sender, a receiver,or an insurer.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparentto those skilled in the art upon a review of the Description of thePreferred Embodiments taken in conjunction with the Drawings whichfollow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the Drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of the system in which the apparatusand method of the present invention can be utilized;

FIG. 2 illustrates the shipment conveyance device computer of FIG. 1, inblock diagram form;

FIG. 3 illustrates a pallet in conjunction with which the shipmentconveyance device computer, and/or the system of the present invention,can be utilized;

FIG. 4 illustrates a container in conjunction with which the shipmentconveyance device computer, and/or the system of the present invention,can be utilized;

FIG. 5 illustrates a preferred embodiment method for utilizing theapparatus and method of the present invention, in flow diagram form;

FIG. 6 illustrates another preferred embodiment method of utilizing theapparatus and method of the present invention, in flow diagram form;

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate another preferred embodiment method ofutilizing the apparatus and method of the present invention, in flowdiagram form; and

FIG. 8 illustrates another preferred embodiment method of utilizing theapparatus and method of the present invention, in flow diagram form.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for providingshipment information and, in particular, to an apparatus and method forproviding shipment information which can be attached to, integratedwith, located and/or positioned on, and/or located and/or positioned in,a shipment conveyance device, a pallet, a container, a tote, and/or anyshipment conveyance structure or apparatus.

The present invention provides an apparatus and method for providingand/or for processing information regarding a shipment of goods,products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities which canbe shipped and/or transported via any of the herein-described shipmentconveyance devices, pallets, containers, totes, and/or any shipmentconveyance structures or apparatuses.

The apparatus and method of the present invention can be utilized on,positioned on, positioned in, located on, located in, integrated with,built-into, or utilized in conjunction with, any of the herein-describedshipment conveyance devices, pallets, containers, totes, and/or anyshipment conveyance structures or apparatuses. In this manner, thepresent invention provides a shipment conveyance device, a pallet, acontainer, a tote, and/or any shipment conveyance structure orapparatus, which includes an apparatus for providing shipmentinformation.

The present invention also provides a system for utilizing the apparatusand method of the present invention in conjunction with a carriercomputer, a sender or shipping entity computer, a receiver or receivingentity computer, and/or a central processing computer, for facilitatinguse of the apparatus and method of the present invention in a networkenvironment.

The present invention can be utilized in conjunction with shipmentconveyance devices, pallets, containers, totes, and/or any shipmentconveyance structures or apparatuses, of any size, kind, or type.

As used herein, the term “shipment conveyance device”, or the plural ofsame, refers to any shipment conveyance devices, pallets, containers,refrigerated containers, protective containers, railroad contained,tractor trailer containers, air freight containers, marine vesselshipment containers, totes, boxes, envelopes, bags, canvas bags,luggage, baggage, and/or any shipment conveyance structures orapparatuses, of any size, kind, or type.

As used herein, the terms “sender”, “sending entity”, “shipper”, or theplural of same, refers to any senders, sending entities, shippers,shipper entities, merchants, vendor, goods providers, productsproviders, services providers, individuals, or entities, or theemployees or agents of same, who or which can provide for a shipment orany good(s), product(s), or service(s).

As used herein, the terms “carrier”, “transporter”, “shipper”, “shippingservice provider”, “deliverer”, delivery provider”, or like entity, orthe plural of same, refers to any carriers, transporters, shippers,shipping service providers, deliverers, delivery providers, individuals,entities, or like entities, or the employees or agents of same, who orwhich provide for the shipment, transport, or delivery, via any one ormore of ground or land transportation, rail transportation, water or seatransportation, air transportation, underwater transportation, and/ormanned and/or unmanned transportation, of any of the herein-describedgoods, products, and/or services, which are described herein as beingshipped or sent by any of the herein-described senders or sendingentities.

As used herein, the terms “receiver”, “receiving entity”, or the pluralof same, refers to any receivers, receiving entities, customers,clients, individuals, entities, and/or other like entities, or theemployees or agents of same, who or which receive any of theherein-described goods, products, and/or services, which are describedherein as being shipped or sent by any of the herein-described sendersor sending entities.

As defined herein, the terms “operator”, “administrator”, or likeentity, or the plural of same, refers to any operators, administrators,individuals, or entities, or the employees or agents of same, who orwhich operate, or administer the operation of, any of the centralprocessing computers and/or the apparatus and method of the presentinvention.

Applicant hereby incorporates by reference herein the subject matter andteachings of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/263,877which teaches and discloses an apparatus and method for providingshipment information.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system in which the apparatus and method of thepresent invention can be utilized. The system of FIG. 1 is designatedgenerally by the reference numeral 100. The system 100 of FIG. 1includes a shipment conveyance device, a pallet, a container, a tote,and/or any shipment conveyance structure 10 (hereinafter referred to asa “shipment conveyance device 10”, “pallet 10”, or “container 10”. Thesystem 100 also includes a shipment conveyance device computer 20 whichcan be attached to, built into, integrated into, and/or located inside,the shipment conveyance device 10.

With reference to FIG. 1, the system 100 also includes a carriercomputer or communication device 30 (hereinafter referred to as the“carrier computer 30”) which is associated with the carrier which isutilized to transport the shipment conveyance device 10. The carriercomputer 30 can be any one or more of a computer, a computer system, agroup of computers, a telephone, a personal computer, a wirelesstelephone, a personal digital assistant, a video telephone, a personalcommunication device, a wireless device, a handheld device, a palm-topdevice, and/or any other communication device(s) and/or computer(s).

The carrier computer 30 can be located at, or in, the carrier vehicle.The carrier computer 30 can also be located at, or in, a regional orcentral carrier office. The carrier computer 30 can also be a wirelessor hand-held device which can be a mobile device.

With reference to FIG. 1, the system 100 also includes a sender orshipping entity computer or communication device 40 (hereinafterreferred to as the “sender computer 40”) which is associated with the asender or shipping entity who or which is effecting shipment of therespective goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any otherentities, which can be shipped on, in, or in conjunction with, theshipment conveyance devices 10.

The sender computer 40 can be any one or more of a computer, a computersystem, a group of computers, a telephone, a personal computer, awireless telephone, a personal digital assistant, a video telephone, apersonal communication device, a wireless device, a handheld device, apalm-top device, and/or any other communication device(s) and/orcomputer(s).

With reference to FIG. 1, the system 100 also includes a receiver orreceiving entity computer or communication device 50 (hereinafterreferred to as the “receiver computer 50”) which is associated with thea receiver or receiving entity who or which is receiving shipment of therespective goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any otherentities, which can be shipped on, in, or in conjunction with, theshipment conveyance devices 10.

The receiver computer 50 can be any one or more of a computer, acomputer system, a group of computers, a telephone, a personal computer,a wireless telephone, a personal digital assistant, a video telephone, apersonal communication device, a wireless device, a handheld device, apalm-top device, and/or any other communication device(s) and/orcomputer(s).

With reference to FIG. 1, the system 100 also includes a centralprocessing computer 60 which can be utilized to administer, manage,and/or control, the operation of the system 100 and/or any of theshipment conveyance device computers 20, the carrier computers 30, thesender computers 40, and/or the receiver computers 50, described herein.

The central processing computer 60 can be a computer, a computer system,a network computer, a server computer, and/or a communication device,and/or any combination of same.

The central processing computer 60 can service any number of theherein-described shipment conveyance devices 10, shipment conveyancedevice computers 20, carrier computers 30, sender computers 40, and/orreceiver computers 50.

The system 100 can include any number of shipment conveyance devices 10,shipment conveyance device computers 20, carrier computers 30, sendercomputers 40, receiver computers 50, and/or central processing computers60.

The herein-described shipment conveyance device computers 20, carriercomputers 30, sender computers 40, receiver computers 50, and/or centralprocessing computers 60, can communicate with, transmit information to,and/or receive information from, any shipment conveyance devicecomputers 20, carrier computers 30, sender computers 40, receivercomputers 50, and/or central processing computers 60, over any suitablecommunication network or system, including, but not limited to atelephone network, a telecommunication network, a digital communicationnetwork, a satellite communication network, a wireless communicationnetwork, a personal communication services network, a broadbandcommunication network, a bluetooth communication network, the Internet,the World Wide Web, and/or any other communication network and/orsystem.

The system 100 can be utilized on, over, and/or in conjunction with, anysuitable communication network or system, including, but not limited toa telephone network, a telecommunication network, a digitalcommunication network, a satellite communication network, a wirelesscommunication network, a personal communication services network, abroadband communication network, a bluetooth communication network, theInternet, the World Wide Web, and/or any other communication networkand/or system.

Any of the carrier computers 30, sender computers 40, receiver computers50, and/or central processing computers 60, can include, whereappropriate and/or where suitable, a central processing unit (CPU), arandom access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), an input device, areading or scanning device, a display device, a receiver, a transmitter,a database, and an output device. Any of the carrier computers 30,sender computers 40, and/or receiver computers 50, can also contain anyother devices or peripherals needed and/or desired for programming theshipment conveyance computers 20, depositing or programming informationinto the shipment conveyance computers 20, and/or reading or extractinginformation from the shipment conveyance computers 20.

FIG. 2 illustrates the shipment conveyance device computer 20 of FIG. 1,in block diagram form. The shipment conveyance device computer 20 canprovide and/or perform any of the processing routines or functionalitydescribed herein.

With reference to FIG. 2, the shipment conveyance device computer 20includes a central processing unit or CPU 20A, which in the preferredembodiment, is a microprocessor. The CPU 20A can also be amicrocomputer, a minicomputer, a macro-computer, and/or a mainframecomputer, depending upon the application.

The shipment conveyance device computer 20 also includes a random accessmemory device(s) 20B (RAM) and a read only memory device(s) 20C (ROM),each of which is connected to the CPU 20A.

The shipment conveyance device computer 20 can also include an inputdevice 20D, for entering data, information, and/or commands into theshipment conveyance device computer 20. The input device can be or caninclude any one of more of a keyboard, a pointing device, such as, forexample, a mouse or a touch pad, etc., a scanner, a scanning device, areading device for reading data and/or information provided from ascanner, a data and/or information reading device, a reader, a cardreader, a magnetic stripe card reader, a bar code reader, an opticalreader, and/or any other input device for entering and/or for receivingdata and/or information in any form, including, but not limited to,electronic form, optical from, magnetic form, and/or in any othersuitable form or format. The input device(s) is also connected to theCPU 20A.

The shipment conveyance device computer 20 can also include a displaydevice 20E, such as, for example, a display screen or device fordisplaying data and/or information to a user or other individual. Thedisplay device can be a display screen, a liquid crystal display screen,a light emitting diode screen, and/or any other appropriate and/orsuitable display device or display screen. The display device 20E candisplay any of the herein-described data and/or information which isdescribed herein as being input into, processed by, and/or output from,the shipment conveyance device computer 20.

The shipment conveyance device computer 20 also includes atransmitter(s) 20F, for transmitting signals and/or data and/orinformation from the shipment conveyance device computer 20 to any oneor more of the carrier computers 30, the sender computers 40, thereceiver computers 50, the central processing computers 60, and/or anyof the other shipment conveyance device computers 20 described herein.

The shipment conveyance device computer 20 also includes a receiver 20G,for receiving signals and/or data and/or information from any one ormore of the carrier computers 30, the sender computers 40, the receivercomputers 50, the central processing computers 60, and/or any of theother shipment conveyance device computers 20 described herein.

With reference to FIG. 2, shipment conveyance device computer 20 alsoincludes a database 20H. The database 20H can contain any data,information, software programs, software algorithms, and/or any otherinformation needed and/or desired for performing any of the processingroutines and/or functionality described herein as being performed by theshipment conveyance device computer(s) 20 and/or by the system 100.

The database 20H can contain data and/or information regarding and/orrelating to the respective goods, products, items, entities, objects,and/or any other entities which are being shipped and/or transported viathe respective shipment conveyance device 10, including, but not limitedto, a description of the respective goods, products, items, entities,objects, and/or any other entities, the quantity of the respectivegoods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities,the sender or shipper of the respective goods, products, items,entities, the origination of the respective goods, products, items,entities, objects, and/or any other entities, the receiver or receivingentity of the respective goods, products, items, entities, objects,and/or any other entities, the destination of the respective goods,products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities, the cost,value, or price, of the respective goods, products, items, entities,objects, and/or any other entities, the shipping cost of the respectivegoods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities,the carrier, transporter, or deliverer, of the respective goods,products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities, specialinstructions regarding the shipment, carriage, or transportation, of therespective goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any otherentities, and handling instructions regarding and/or pertaining to therespective goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any otherentities, shipping, delivery, and/or travel.

The database 20H can also contain data and/or information regarding theshipment, handling, or delivery, instructions regarding the respectivegoods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities.For example, the database 20H can also contain information regardingwhether the respective goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/orany other entities, is or are perishable, is or are fragile, must beheated, must be refrigerated, temperature requirements during shipment,etc. The database 20H can also contain loading and/or unloading, as wellas, handling instructions during shipment, for any of the respectivegoods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities.

The database 20H can also contain data and/or information regardinginvoice information regarding the shipment or delivery of the respectivegoods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities,packing slip information regarding the respective goods, products,items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities, insuranceinformation regarding the respective goods, products, items, entities,objects, and/or any other entities, and expected or projected deliverytime information regarding the respective goods, products, items,entities, objects, and/or any other entities.

The database 20H can also contain data and/or information regarding thefrom and/or manner of payment and/or payment instructions (i.e. cash ondelivery, electronic payment on delivery, allowed credit amount, paymentdue information, payment due by information, sender's financial accountinformation, etc.)

The database 20H can also contain position information, locationinformation, digitized map data and/or information, and/or any otherinformation which can be utilized by, or in conjunction with, the globalpositioning device 20J.

The database 20H can also contain data and/or information regarding thelocation or position of stops made by the carrier, transporter, ordeliverer, of the respective shipment conveyance device 10 and/or theshipment conveyance device computer 20, during the transportation of therespective goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any otherentities, and the respective shipment conveyance device 10, during theshipment, transportation, or delivery, of same from its point of originto its delivery destination.

The database 20H can also contain data and/or information regarding thetravel log for the respective goods, products, items, entities, objects,and/or any other entities, and/or for the respective shipment conveyancedevice(s) 10, and/or the time in transit, distance traveled, etc., foror regarding the goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or anyother entities, and/or for the respective shipment conveyance device(s)10. The database 20H can also contain data and/or information regardingthe usage history of the respective shipment conveyance device(s) 10,including, but limited to, the time deployed in service, the number oftimes used, and/or the service time or service history since initialdeployment.

The database 20H can also contain data and/or information regarding themaintenance history of the respective shipment conveyance device(s) 10and/or shipment conveyance device computer 20.

The database 20H can also contain data and/or information, includingsoftware programs and/or algorithms, for facilitating communication ofthe shipment conveyance device computer 20 with any of theherein-described carrier computers 30, sender computers 40, receivercomputers 50, central processing computers 60, and/or any other theshipment conveyance device computer 20. The database 20H can alsocontain data and/or information, including software programs and/oralgorithms, for facilitating data and/or information transmissionbetween, from, and/or to, respectively, the shipment conveyance devicecomputer 20 and any of the herein-described carrier computers 30, sendercomputers 40, receiver computers 50, central processing computers 60,and/or any other the shipment conveyance device computer 20.

The database 20H can also contain an electronic signature, electronicsignatures, and/or electronic signature information for, regarding,and/or relating to, any of the herein-described senders, sendingentities, shippers, carriers, transporters, delivery service providers,receivers, receiving entities, and/or any other individuals, parties,and/or entities, which or which may utilize the shipment conveyancedevice computer 20 and/or who or which may be involved in a shipment,transport, and/or delivery, involving same. The electronic signature,electronic signatures, and/or electronic signature information, can beutilized and/or processed in the processing and/or consummation of anytransactions involving any respective parties involved in any of theherein-described shipment, transporting, and/or delivery, activities.

The database 20H can also contain electronic payment information,electronic and/or digital money information, payment identificationinformation, credit account information, credit card accountinformation, charge account information, charge card accountinformation, debit account information, debit card account information,electronic money account information, letter of credit information,financial account information, for, corresponding to, and/or relatingto, any of respective parties involved in any of the herein-describedshipment, transporting, and/or delivery, activities.

The database 20H can also contain any other data and/or information forfacilitating the processing of, the consummation of, and/or theexecution or, financial transactions between and/or involving any of therespective parties involved in any of the herein-described shipment,transporting, and/or delivery, activities.

The database 20H can also contain any other data and/or informationneeded and/or desired for facilitating the operation of the apparatusand method of the present invention as described herein.

Any of the herein-described data and/or information which can be storedin the database 20H can be input into the shipment conveyance devicecomputer 20 and/or can be programmed into and/or pre-stored in thedatabase 20H.

With reference once again to FIG. 2, the shipment conveyance devicecomputer 20 can also include an output device 20I such as a printer, amodem, a fax/modem, a reader/transmitter device for providing dataand/or information to an external scanner, a reader, or other readingand/or receiving device, a card reader/transmitter device for providingdata and/or information to an external scanner, a cardreader/transmitter device for providing data and/or information to anexternal scanner, a reader, or other reading and/or receiving device, amagnetic card reader/transmitter device for providing data and/orinformation to an external scanner, a reader, or other reading and/orreceiving device, an optical a card reader/transmitter device forproviding data and/or information to an external scanner, a reader, orother reading and/or receiving device, an electronic datareader/transmitter device for providing data and/or information to anexternal scanner, a reader, or other reading and/or receiving device, areader/transmitter device for providing data and/or information to anexternal scanner, a reader, or other reading and/or receiving device,and/or any other reading and/or receiving device and/or output device,for outputting information to any one or more of a carrier, a shipper, atransporter, a sender, and/or a receiver, and/or any respective readingor scanning device associated therewith or utilized thereby, who orwhich utilizes the apparatus and method of the present invention.

The output device 20I can also be a programmable bar code display deviceor other code display device which can be displayed and which can bereader by an appropriate bar code reader or code reader. In thepreferred embodiment, the bar code display device or other code displaydevice can provide a code, bar code or otherwise, through a glare-proofscreen. The bar code or other code can be provide information regardingthe data and/or information being output from the shipment conveyancedevice computer 20.

The displayed code can also be a dynamically changing code which cancontain the data and/or information which is currently being output. Inthis regard, for example, the shipment conveyance device computer 20 canoutput various data and/or information via the same output device 20I byutilizing a multitude of bar codes or codes.

The output device 20I can also be a speaker for providing an audiosignal or audible stimulus, indication, and/or information, to a userand/or can also be a light or lighting device for providing a visualsignal or visual stimulus, indication, and/or information, to a user.

The shipment conveyance device computer 20 can also include a globalpositioning device 20J which can be utilized in order to determine theposition and/or location of the shipment conveyance device computer 20.

The shipment conveyance device computer 20 can also include a sensordevice 20K which can be any one of more of a thermometer for measuringand/or monitoring shipping temperature, a shock detection device formeasuring and/or monitoring shocks, impacts, and/or other forces whichmay be exerted on the shipment conveyance device 10, and/or a proximitydetection device for monitoring and/or detecting the physical proximityof the shipment conveyance device 10 and/or the shipment conveyancedevice computer 20 with any one or more of any other shipment conveyancedevice 10, shipment conveyance device computer 20, carrier computer 30,sender computer 40, and/or receiver computer 50.

The sensor device 20K can also include multiple sensing elements whichcan be placed at various locations in, on, and/or in conjunction withthe shipment conveyance device 10. Each of the multiple sensing elementscan be utilized in order to sense or detect if the shipment conveyancedevice 10 has been damaged and/or broken and/or otherwise compromised.

The apparatus and method of the present invention, and/or particular,the shipment conveyance device computer 20, can be utilized on, in,and/or in conjunction with shipment conveyance devices, pallets,containers, refrigerated containers, protective containers, totes,boxes, envelopes, bags, canvas bags, and/or any shipment conveyancestructures or apparatuses, of any size, kind, or type.

The apparatus and method of the present invention can be utilized on,in, and/or in conjunction with shipment conveyance devices can also becargo containers or any type, kind, shape, or size, which can beutilized trucks, cars, vehicles, trains, boats, ships, marine vessels,aircraft, airplanes, of any kind or type for performing ground, sea andair, transport. The shipping conveyance device computer 20 can beattached to, built into, integrated with, and/or placed inside, theshipping conveyance device 10. For example, the shipping conveyancedevice computer 20 can be built into, or be an integrated component of,a pallet, container, or shipping structure. The shipping conveyancedevice computer 20 can also be inside a box, container, tote bag, canvastote bag, piece of baggage, etc. so as to be placed with the contents ofthe shipment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a pallet in conjunction with which the shipmentconveyance device computer 20, and/or the system 100 of the presentinvention, can be utilized. The pallet can be constructed and/ormanufactured from plastic, rubber, wood, metal, and/or any othersuitable material(s), combination of the above-described materials,and/or composites of the above-described materials.

The pallet illustrated in FIG. 3 is an example of a pallet with whichthe apparatus and method of the present invention can be utilized. Theapparatus and method of the present invention can also be utilized withpallets of any kind, type, shape, or size.

In the preferred embodiment, the shipment conveyance device computer 20can be placed in any portion or member of the pallet, in a recessed ormolded space in or on any portion or member of the pallet. For example,a member component of the pallet can be manufactured such that theshipment conveyance device computer 20 can be placed thereon or thereonin any appropriate manner. In a preferred embodiment, the shipmentconveyance device computer 20 can be placed or located in a manner so asto avoid damage thereto or interference therewith.

In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 3, the shipment conveyance devicecomputer 20 is located at the position shown on the pallet 10.

FIG. 4 illustrates a container in conjunction with which the shipmentconveyance device computer 20, and/or the system 100 of the presentinvention, can be utilized. The container can be constructed and/ormanufactured from plastic, rubber, wood, metal, and/or any othersuitable material(s), combination of the above-described materials,and/or composites of the above-described materials. The container can beany type of container and can be a general purpose container, arefrigerated container, a heated container, an insulated containerand/or any other type of container which can be utilized in order toship any of the herein-described goods, products, items, entities,objects, and/or any other entities which can be shipped and/ortransported via any of the herein-described shipment conveyance devices,pallets, containers, totes, and/or any shipment conveyance structures orapparatuses.

The container illustrated in FIG. 4 is an example of a container withwhich the apparatus and method of the present invention can be utilized.The apparatus and method of the present invention can also be utilizedwith containers of any kind, type, shape, or size.

In the preferred embodiment, the shipment conveyance device computer 20can be placed in any portion or member of the container, in a recessedor molded space in or on any portion or member of the container. Forexample, a member component of the container can be manufactured suchthat the shipment conveyance device computer 20 can be placed thereon orthereon in any appropriate manner. In a preferred embodiment, theshipment conveyance device computer 20 can be placed or located in amanner so as to avoid damage thereto or interference therewith.

In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 4, the shipment conveyance devicecomputer 20 is located at the position shown on the container 10.

The apparatus and method of the present invention, as well as the system100 of the present invention can be utilized in a number of preferredembodiments in order to provide shipment information.

The present invention, in a preferred embodiment, can be utilized inorder to provide information regarding a shipment or delivery to any oneor more of a carrier or transporter of the shipment, to the receiver orreceiving entity of the shipment, and/or to the central processingcomputer 60 and/or to the operator or administrator of the system of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a preferred embodiment method for utilizing theapparatus and method of the present invention, in flow diagram form. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 5, the sender of a shipment of goods, products,items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities, can storeinformation regarding the shipment in the shipment conveyance devicecomputer 20.

The sender can input information into the shipment conveyance devicecomputer 20 manually via the input device 20D, electronically via thereceiver 20G, and/or via any combination of manual data entry andelectronic data entry.

The information can thereafter be retrieved by the carrier of theshipment and/or by the receiver of the shipment. With reference to FIG.5, the operation of the system 100 commences at step 5.

At step 501, the sender of the shipment can load the respective goods,products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities, onto orinto the shipment conveyance device 10 which can, for example, be apallet or container.

At step 501, the sender can also enter data and/or informationconcerning or pertaining to the shipment into the shipment conveyancedevice computer 20. The data and/or information which is entered intothe shipment conveyance device computer 20 can be any of the data and/orinformation described herein as being stored in the database 20H. Inthis regard, the sender can enter data and/or information regarding andone or more data and/or information regarding and/or relating to therespective goods, products, items, entities, or objects, a descriptionof the respective goods, products, items, entities, or objects, thequantity of the respective goods, products, items, entities, or objects,the sender or shipper of the respective goods, products, items,entities, or objects, the origination of the respective goods, products,items, entities, or objects, the receiver or receiving entity of therespective goods, products, items, entities, or objects, the destinationof the respective goods, products, items, entities, or objects, thecost, value, or price, of the respective goods, products, items,entities, or objects, the shipping cost of the respective goods,products, items, entities, or objects, the carrier, transporter, ordeliverer, of the respective goods, products, items, entities, orobject, and/or special instructions regarding the shipment, handling,carriage, or transportation, of the respective goods, products, items,entities, or objects.

The sender can also enter data and/or information regarding any one ormore of invoice information regarding the shipment or delivery of therespective goods, products, items, entities, or objects, packing slipinformation regarding the respective goods, products, items, entities,or objects, insurance information regarding the respective goods,products, items, entities, or objects, expected or projected deliverytime information regarding the shipment, position information, locationinformation, digitized map data and/or information, informationregarding the location or position of stops made by the carrier,transporter, or deliverer, of the shipment, electronic signature,electronic signatures, and/or electronic signature information for,regarding, and/or relating to, any of the herein-described senders,sending entities, shippers, carriers, transporters, delivery serviceproviders, receivers, receiving entities, and/or any other individuals,parties, and/or entities, which or which may involved in the shipment asa sender, carrier, and/or receiver.

The sender can also enter data and/or information regarding any one ormore of data and/or information regarding the from and/or manner ofpayment and/or payment instructions (i.e. cash on delivery, electronicpayment on delivery, allowed credit amount, payment due information,payment due by information, sender's financial account information,etc.), electronic payment information, electronic and/or digital moneyinformation, payment identification information, credit accountinformation, credit card account information, charge accountinformation, charge card account information, debit account information,debit card account information, electronic money account information,letter of credit information, financial account information, for,corresponding to, and/or relating to, any of respective parties involvedin shipment.

The data and/or information entered into the shipment conveyance devicecomputer 20, at step 501, can be processed and/or stored in the database20H. At step 502, the shipment conveyance device 10 is provided to thecarrier. At step 503, the shipment conveyance device 10 can betransported to its destination.

At any time during the transport of the shipment conveyance device, atstep 503, any one or more of the carrier, the sender, the receiver,and/or the central processing computer administrator, can access theshipment conveyance computer 20 via the respective carrier computer(s)30, sender computer(s) 40, receiver computer(s) 50, central processingcomputer(s) 60.

At any time, the sender can also access the shipment conveyance devicecomputer 20 via the respective sender computer 40 and transmit dataand/or information to the shipment conveyance device computer 20. Thesender can transmit new data and/or information, and/or changes and/orupdates to previously entered data and/or information, to the shipmentconveyance device computer 20. The data and/or information, or changesand/or updates thereto, which can be entered and/or transmitted by thesender computer 40 to the shipment conveyance device computer 20 can beany of the data and/or information described herein as being enteredand/or provided by the sender and/or can be any data and/or informationwhich is described as being stored in the database 20H.

The respective carrier, sender, receiver, or administrator, can obtainany of the herein-described information which is stored in the shipmentconveyance device computer 20, any of the herein-described data and/orinformation which is entered into the shipment conveyance devicecomputer 20 at the time or point of shipment, position or locationinformation and/or global positioning information of the shipment,information regarding the state of the shipment which can include thetemperature of the shipment, shock damage to the shipment, time left tospoilage, damage to the shipment conveyance device 10, and/or any otherinformation which can be detected, obtained, and/or processed by, theshipment conveyance device computer 20. For example, the respectivecarrier, sender, receiver, or administrator, can ascertain where ashipment is, the carrier containing the shipment, the location of theshipment, the contents of the shipment, the physical state or conditionof the shipment and/or any other information which can be provided bythe shipment conveyance device computer 20 and/or the system of thepresent invention.

At step 503, the shipment conveyance device computer 20 can also providestatus updates to any one or more of the carrier, the sender, thereceiver, and/or the administrator, which can contain any of theabove-described information which is described herein as being obtainedby any of the respective entities or individuals. For example, theshipment conveyance device computer 20 which can be programmed toprovide shipment location updates, shipment-status updates, etc., cangenerate status messages regarding its position or locations, stops madeby the carrier, and/or the temperature of the shipment, impacts receivedby the shipment conveyance device 10, and/or other information.

The status messages can be generated and transmitted to the respectivecarrier computer 30, the sender computer(s) 40, the receiver computer(s)50, and/or the central processing computer(s) 60, at pre-designated timeintervals, and/or upon the occurrence of a pre-specified event (i.e. astop made by the carrier, an impact during an accident, an unusualstopping period, a shipment temperature change, and/or any other eventor occurrence relating to the shipment).

At step 504, the shipment is delivered to its destination where it canbe received by the receiver or by the receiver's agent. At step 504, thecarrier and/or the receiver can access the shipment conveyance devicecomputer 20 can obtain, retrieve, and/or download, any of the dataand/or information stored in the database 20H of same. The data and/orinformation can, for example, be information regarding the contentsand/or subject matter of the shipment, invoice information, packing slipinformation, sender information, carrier information, specialinstructions regarding the shipment and/or payment therefor, a paymentreceipt, and/or any other information which can be provided to a carrieror a receiver of a shipment.

The carrier or receiver can also obtain any of the herein-describedinformation which can be stored in and/or processed by the shipmentconveyance device computer 20. In this regard, the carrier or thereceiver can retrieve or download any shipment information from theshipment conveyance device computer 20 and/or from the shipmentconveyance device 10 carrying the shipment.

At step 504, the shipment conveyance device computer 20 can alsogenerate a shipment delivery message and transmit same, in anyappropriate form or manner, to any one or more of the carriercomputer(s) 30, the sender computer(s) 40, the receiver computer(s) 50,and/or the central processing computer(s) 60.

At step 505, any of the information obtained, retrieved, and/ordownloaded, at step 504, can be output and/or printed, in hard copyform, and/or downloaded and/or stored in electronic form, by or at anyof the respective carrier computer 30, and/or the receiver computer 50.

Thereafter, the operation of the system will cease at step 506.

In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 5, as well as in any and/or all ofthe other embodiments described herein, any of the messages generatedand transmitted by the shipment conveyance device computer 20, and/or byany of the other computers 30, 40, 50, and/or 60, can be an e-mailmessage, an instant messaging service message, a short message, beepermessage, pager message, a telephone message, a pre-recorded telephonemessage, and/or any other electronic message or electronic transmission.

In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus and method of the presentinvention can be utilized in order to provide notification to any one ormore of a sender, a carrier, a receiver, and/or an administrator, of anyone or more of a lost shipment, an off-track shipment, a delayedshipment, a damaged shipment, and/or a mis-delivered shipment. FIG. 6illustrates another preferred embodiment method of utilizing theapparatus and method of the present invention, in flow diagram form.

With reference to FIG. 6, the operation of the system 100 commences atstep 600. At step 601, the sender can enter or program data and/orinformation into the shipment conveyance device computer 20 via thesender computer 30 and/or in any other appropriate manner.

The data and/or information can include delivery origin position orlocation information, destination position or location information,shipment travel route information, including position or locationinformation corresponding to points along the shipment travel route,carrier identification information, carrier code and/or electronicsignature information, receiver identification information, receivercode and/or electronic signature information, shipment temperaturerequirements, shipment impact tolerance information, and/or any otherdata and/or information regarding and/or relating to the shipment. Thedata and/or information entered and/or programmed into the shipmentconveyance device computer 20 can be processed and stored at step 601.

At step 602, the shipment conveyance device computer 20 can, duringtransport of the shipment and/or upon the delivery of the shipment to areceiver or receiving entity, await the detection of a processing event.

The processing event can be any one or more of the detection by theshipment conveyance device computer 20 and, in particular, the globalpositioning device 20J, of a deviation, by more than a pre-designatedtolerance amount (i.e. distance measurement, mileage, etc.), of thelocation or position of the shipment and/or the carrier of same from apre-determined transportation route (i.e. the shipment carrier is lost,is the wrong carrier, etc.), the detection of an unauthorized and/or thewrong carrier who or which is to transport the shipment (i.e. thedetection of an unauthorized carrier code or carrier electronicsignature), the detection of an unauthorized and/or the wrong receiverwho or which is to receive the shipment and/or the detection of a stolenshipment (i.e. the detection of an unauthorized receiver code orreceiver electronic signature, the detection of a shipment being stolenor in the possession of the wrong party, etc.), the detection of ashipment temperature which deviates from the shipment temperaturerequirements, and/or the detection of an impact or force of impactexperienced by the shipment conveyance device 10 (i.e. a mishandling, adropping, an accident, etc.) experienced by the shipment conveyancedevice computer 20.

At step 603, the shipment conveyance device computer 20 will generate anappropriate notification message in order to provide notification to anyone or more of the carrier, the sender, the receiver, and/or theadministrator, of the detected processing event. The notificationmessage can be any one or more of an e-mail message, an instantmessaging service message, a short message, beeper message, pagermessage, a telephone message, a pre-recorded telephone message, and/orany other electronic message or electronic transmission.

At step 604, the notification message is transmitted to any one or moreof the carrier computer 30, the sender computer 40, the receivercomputer 50, and/or the central processing computer 60.

At step 605, the information contained in the notification message canbe received by, and can be output and/or displayed to the respectivecarrier, sender, receiver, and/or administrator, on, the respectivecarrier computer 30, the sender computer 40, the receiver computer 50,and/or the central processing computer 60. At step 606, any of theinformation concerning the shipment and/or the processing event can bestored at the respective carrier computer 30, the sender computer 40,the receiver computer 50, and/or the central processing computer 60.Thereafter, the operation of the system 100 can cease at step 607.

In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 6, as well as in any and/or all ofthe other embodiments described herein, any of the messages generatedand transmitted by the shipment conveyance device computer 20, and/or byany of the other computers 30, 40, 50, and/or 60, can be an e-mailmessage, an instant messaging service message, a short message, beepermessage, pager message, a telephone message, a pre-recorded telephonemessage, and/or any other electronic message or electronic transmission.

In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus and method of the presentinvention can be utilized in order to verify that a shipment is beingdelivered to the proper receiver. FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate anotherpreferred embodiment method of utilizing the apparatus and method of thepresent invention, in flow diagram form.

With reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the operation of the system 100commences at step 700. At step 701, the sender can enter or program dataand/or information into the shipment conveyance device computer 20 viathe sender computer 30 and/or in any other appropriate manner. The dataand/or information can include receiver identification information,receiver code and/or electronic signature information, and/or any otherof the herein-described data and/or information regarding the shipment.For example, the sender can enter a code or an electronic key or otherinformation which, when processed in conjunction with a code or anelectronic key entered by a receiver, upon delivery of the shipment tosame, can be utilized in order to verify that the shipment has beendelivered to the correct receiver. The data and/or information enteredand/or programmed into the shipment conveyance device computer 20 can beprocessed and stored at step 701.

At step, 702, the shipment conveyance device 10 can be shipped,transported, and/or delivered, to the receiver.

At step 703, the receiver can access the shipment conveyance devicecomputer 20 via a receiver computer 50 and/or via the input device 20Dof the shipment conveyance device computer 20. At step 703, the receivercan input its code or electronic key into the shipment conveyance devicecomputer 20. At step 704, the shipment conveyance device computer 20 canprocess the receiver entered code or electronic key and process same inconjunction with the data and/or information entered into the shipmentconveyance device computer 20 by the sender at step 701.

At step 705, the shipment conveyance device computer 20 will determinewhether the receiver is the correct receiver for receiving the shipment.If, at step 705, the shipment conveyance device computer 20 determinesthat the receiver is not the correct receiver of the shipment, theoperation of the shipment conveyance device computer 20 will proceed tostep 706 and the shipment conveyance device computer 20 will generate anappropriate signal or stimulus which can be provided to the receiver orthe carrier. The signal or stimulus can be text information provided onthe display device 20E, an audible sound output by the output device20I, a lighting of a light of the output device 20I, and/or the soundingof an alarm by the output device 20I, and/or any other stimulusindicating that the shipment is not being delivered to the correctreceiver.

Thereafter, the shipment conveyance device computer 20 will, at step707, cancel the delivery to the receiver or party thought to be thereceiver. At step 708, the shipment conveyance device computer 20 willgenerate a mis-delivered notification message indicating that thereceiver is not the correct receiver. At step 708, the shipmentconveyance device computer 20 will also transmit the mis-deliverednotification message to any one or more of the sender, the carrier, thecorrect receiver, and/or the administrator, and/or to the respectivesender computer 40, carrier computer 30, receiver computer 50, and/orthe central processing computer 60, indicating that the shipment wasmis-delivered, at least for the time being. The carrier can, thereafter,re-attempt the shipment, transport, or delivery, of the shipmentconveyance device to the correct receiver. Thereafter, the operation ofthe system 100 will cease at step 709.

If, however, at step 705, it is determined that the receiver is thecorrect receiver, the operation of the shipment conveyance devicecomputer 20 will proceed to step 710 and the shipment conveyance devicecomputer 20 will generate an appropriate signal or stimulus which can beprovided to the receiver or the carrier. The signal or stimulus can betext information provided on the display device 20E, an audible soundoutput by the output device 20I, a lighting of a light of the outputdevice 20I, and/or the sounding of an alarm by the output device 20I,and/or any other stimulus indicating that the shipment is beingdelivered to the correct receiver.

Thereafter, the shipment conveyance device computer 20 can, at step 711,consummate/effect the delivery transaction. At step 712, the shipmentconveyance device computer 20 will generate a delivery notificationmessage indicating that the receiver is the correct receiver and/or thatdelivery of the shipment has been effected. At step 712, the shipmentconveyance device computer 20 will also transmit the deliverynotification message to any one or more of the sender, the carrier, thecorrect receiver, and/or the administrator, and/or to the respectivesender computer 40, carrier computer 30, receiver computer 50, and/orthe central processing computer 60, indicating that the shipment wasproperly delivered. Thereafter, the operation of the system 100 willcease at step 713.

In the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 7A and 7B, as well as in any and/orall of the other embodiments described herein, any of the messagesgenerated and transmitted by the shipment conveyance device computer 20,and/or by any of the other computers 30, 40, 50, and/or 60, can be ane-mail message, an instant messaging service message, a short message,beeper message, pager message, a telephone message, a pre-recordedtelephone message, and/or any other electronic message or electronictransmission.

In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus and method of the presentinvention can be utilized in order to generate and/or processinformation regarding an insurance claim involving a shipment which hasbeen lost, stolen, damaged, and/or mis-delivered, during shipment,transport, and/or delivery, by the carrier. FIG. 8 illustrates anotherpreferred embodiment method of utilizing the apparatus and method of thepresent invention, in flow diagram form.

With reference to FIG. 8, the operation of the system 100 commences atstep 800. At step 801, the sender can enter or program data and/orinformation into the shipment conveyance device computer 20 via thesender computer 30 and/or in any other appropriate manner. The dataand/or information can include delivery origin position or locationinformation, destination position or location information, shipmenttravel route information, including position or location informationcorresponding to points along the shipment travel route, carrieridentification information, carrier code and/or electronic signatureinformation, receiver identification information, receiver code and/orelectronic signature information, shipment temperature requirements,shipment impact tolerance information, shipment insurance information,shipment insurance claim information, shipment insurance claimsgeneration and/or submission information, and/or any other data and/orinformation regarding and/or relating to the shipment. The data and/orinformation entered and/or programmed into the shipment conveyancedevice computer 20 can be processed and stored at step 801.

At step 802, the shipment conveyance device computer 20 can, duringtransport of the shipment and/or upon the delivery of the shipment to areceiver or receiving entity, await the detection of a processing event.

The processing event can be any one or more of the detection by theshipment conveyance device computer 20 that the shipment has been lost(i.e. there is no record of the shipment being delivered and/or theshipment cannot be found and/or accounted for, etc.), that the shipmenthas been stolen (i.e. the carrier reports the shipment, and/or thecarrier vehicle with the shipment, as being stolen, the carrier has notdelivered the shipment to any receiver, and/or an unauthorizedindividual or entity has received the shipment and refuses to returnsame, etc.), the shipment has been damaged (i.e. perishable goods havespoiled, perished, and/or been ruined, fragile goods have been damaged,a damaging impact is detected, carrier reports involvement in accidentresulting in damage to the shipment and/or shipment contents, etc.)and/or that the shipment has been mis-delivered to an incorrectreceiver, receiving entity, individual or entity.

The shipment conveyance computer 20 can detect the processing eventitself via any of its herein-described processing capabilities (i.e.detecting erroneous position or location of the shipment or carriervehicle, detecting status of shipment as contrary to shipping and/orenvironmental requirements, detecting an impact or damaging forcesexerted on the shipment conveyance device 10, detecting mis-delivery,and/or the shipment conveyance device computer 20 can receive dataand/or information from any one or more of the carrier computers 30, thesender computers 40, the receiver computers 50, and/or the centralprocessing computers 60, which contains information regarding any of theprocessing events.

At step 803, the shipment conveyance device computer 20 can process thedata and/or information corresponding to the processing event andgenerate an insurance claim message which contains information regardingthe processing event and information for filing an appropriate insuranceclaim.

At step 804, the shipment conveyance device computer 20 will transmitthe insurance claim message to any one or more of the carrier, thesender, the receiver, and/or the administrator, in order to provideinformation regarding the detected processing event and/or theassociated insurance claim. The insurance claim information can be anyone or more of an e-mail message, an instant messaging service message,a short message, beeper message, pager message, a telephone message, apre-recorded telephone message, and/or any other electronic message orelectronic transmission.

At step 804, the insurance claim message can be transmitted to any oneor more of the carrier computer 30, the sender computer 40, the receivercomputer 50, and/or the central processing computer 60. The centralprocessing computer 60 can also be utilized by and/or be associated withan insurance provider and/or an insurance agent.

At step 805, the information contained in the insurance claim messagecan be received by, and can be output and/or displayed to the respectivecarrier, sender, receiver, and/or administrator, on, the respectivecarrier computer 30, the sender computer 40, the receiver computer 50,and/or the central processing computer 60. At step 806, any of theinformation concerning the insurance claim can be processed and/orstored at the respective carrier computer 30, the sender computer 40,the receiver computer 50, and/or the central processing computer 60.Thereafter, the operation of the system 100 can cease at step 807.

In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 8, any of the insurance claimmessages generated and transmitted by the shipment conveyance devicecomputer 20 can be an e-mail message, an instant messaging servicemessage, a short message, beeper message, pager message, a telephonemessage, a pre-recorded telephone message, and/or any other electronicmessage or electronic transmission.

The apparatus and method of the present invention can be utilized inorder to provide any of the herein-defined shipment conveyance deviceswith the information processing functionality described herein. In thismanner, the present invention can be utilized in order to provide“smart” shipment conveyance devices, “smart” pallets, “smart”containers, etc., or “electronic” shipment conveyance devices,“electronic” pallets, “electronic” containers, etc., which can provideenhanced information services and/or functionality, and/or “smart” or“e-” technologies, in the shipping, transportation, and/or delivery,services fields and/or industries.

While the present invention has been described and illustrated invarious preferred and alternate embodiments, such descriptions aremerely illustrative of the present invention and are not to be construedto be limitations thereof. In this regard, the present inventionencompasses all modifications, variations, and/or alternate embodiments,with the scope of the present invention being limited only by the claimswhich follow.

1. An apparatus, comprising: a shipment conveyance device, wherein theshipment conveyance device is a shipping container, a pallet, a piece ofluggage, or a tote; a memory device, wherein the memory device islocated in, on, or at, the shipment conveyance device, wherein thememory device stores information regarding a description of a good,product, or item, being shipped or transported via or which is containedin or on the shipment conveyance device, and origination information,sender information, shipper information, destination information,receiver information, handling instruction information, deliveryinstruction information, invoice information, packing slip information,delivery time information, or payment instruction information, regardingthe shipment conveyance device; a global positioning device, wherein theglobal positioning device is located in, on, or at, the shipmentconveyance device, and further wherein the global positioning devicedetermines a position or location of the shipment conveyance device; aprocessing device, wherein the processing device processes informationregarding the shipment conveyance device in response to an occurrence ofan event or in response to a request for information regarding theshipment conveyance device, wherein the processing device generates amessage containing information regarding the position or location of theshipment conveyance device and information regarding the occurrence ofan event, a status of a shipment or a transportation of or involving theshipment conveyance device, a shipment or transportation temperature, oran impact or force on the shipment conveyance device; and a transmitter,wherein the transmitter is located in, on, or at, the shipmentconveyance device, wherein the transmitter transmits the message to acommunication device associated with an individual or entity, a senderof the shipment conveyance device, a receiver of the shipment conveyancedevice, a carrier of the shipment conveyance device, or an individual orentity authorized to receive information regarding the shipmentconveyance device or information regarding a shipment or atransportation of or involving the shipment conveyance device.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a display device, wherein, thedisplay device is located in, on, or at, the shipment conveyance device,wherein the display device displays or provides information regardingthe shipment conveyance device or information regarding the shipment orthe transportation of or involving the shipment conveyance device. 3.The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a receiver, wherein thereceiver receives the request for information regarding the shipmentconveyance device.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the messagecontains information regarding a stop made by a carrier of the shipmentconveyance device or information regarding the shipment or thetransportation of or involving the shipment conveyance device.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a sensor, wherein the sensormonitors or measures a temperature during the shipment or thetransportation of the shipment conveyance device, a shock exerted on theshipment conveyance device, an impact exerted on the shipment conveyancedevice, and a force exerted on the shipment conveyance device, whereinthe message contains information regarding a temperature of the shipmentor the transportation, a change in a shipment or transportationtemperature, and an impact or force exerted on the shipment conveyancedevice.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the message containsinformation regarding an unusual stopping period regarding the shipmentor the transportation of or involving the shipment conveyance device. 7.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processing device is programmed toautomatically generate the message.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe processing device generates a delivery message, and further whereinthe apparatus transmits the delivery message to the communicationdevice.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the event is a detection ofa deviation from a pre-determined. shipment or transportation routeassociated with the shipment or the transportation of or involving theshipment conveyance device.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theevent is a detection of an unauthorized carrier or a wrong carriershipping or transporting the shipment conveyance device or a detectionof an unauthorized receiver of the shipment conveyance device or a wrongreceiver of the shipment conveyance device.
 11. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the event is a detection of a shipment or transportationtemperature which deviates from a shipment or transportation temperaturerequirement.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the event is adetection of an impact experienced by the shipment conveyance device, aforce experienced by the shipment conveyance device, a mishandling ofthe shipment conveyance device, a dropping of the shipment conveyancedevice, and an accident involving the shipment conveyance device. 13.The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an input device forinputting information regarding a person or entity attempting to receivethe shipment conveyance device, wherein the processing device processesthe information regarding a person or entity attempting to receive theshipment conveyance device and determines whether or not the person orentity is a proper receiver of the shipment conveyance device.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the processing device detects anoccurrence giving rise to an insurance claim regarding the shipmentconveyance device, and further wherein the message includes insuranceclaim information.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the message istransmitted via, on, or over, the Internet or the World Wide Web. 16.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shipping container, the pallet,the piece of luggage, or the tote, is a refrigerated container, a heatedcontainer, or an insulated container.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the communication device is a wireless device or a personaldigital assistant.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the messagecontains information regarding a description of a good, product, oritem, being shipped or transported via the shipment conveyance device,origination information regarding the shipment or the transportation,sender information regarding the shipment or the transportation, shipperinformation regarding the shipment or the transportation, destinationinformation regarding the shipment or the transportation, receiverinformation regarding the shipment or the transportation, handlinginstruction information regarding the shipment or the transportation,delivery instruction information regarding the shipment or thetransportation, invoice information regarding the shipment or thetransportation, packing slip information regarding the shipment or thetransportation, delivery time information regarding the shipment or thetransportation, or payment instruction information regarding theshipment or the transportation.
 19. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe apparatus stores information regarding a temperature requirementregarding the shipment or the transportation, digitized map information,information regarding a stop or stops made during a transport of theshipment or the transportation, or travel route information regardingthe shipment or the transportation.
 20. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the shipment conveyance device is a shipping container.
 21. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the shipment conveyance device is apallet.
 22. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shipment conveyancedevice is a piece of luggage.
 23. An apparatus, comprising: a piece ofluggage; a memory device, wherein the memory device is located in, on,or at, the piece of luggage, wherein the memory device storesinformation regarding a description of a good, product, or item, beingshipped via or which is contained in the piece of luggage, andorigination information, sender information, shipper information,destination information, receiver information, handling instructioninformation, delivery instruction information, invoice information,packing slip information, delivery time information, or paymentinstruction information, regarding the piece of luggage; a globalpositioning device, wherein the global positioning device is located in,on, or at, the piece of luggage, and further wherein the globalpositioning device determines a position or location of the piece ofluggage; a processing device, wherein the processing device processesinformation regarding the piece of luggage in response to an occurrenceof an event or in response to a request for information regarding thepiece of luggage, wherein the processing device generates a messagecontaining information regarding the position or location of the pieceof luggage and information regarding the occurrence of an event, astatus of a shipment or a transportation of or involving the piece ofluggage, a shipment or a transportation temperature, or an impact orforce on the piece of luggage; and a transmitter, wherein thetransmitter is located in, on, or at, the piece of luggage, wherein thetransmitter transmits the message to a communication device associatedwith an individual or entity, a sender of the piece of luggage, areceiver of the piece of luggage, a carrier of the piece of luggage, oran individual or entity authorized to receive information regarding thepiece of luggage or information regarding a shipment or a transportationof or involving the piece of luggage.
 24. The apparatus of claim 23,further comprising: a receiver, wherein the receiver receives therequest for information regarding the piece of luggage.
 25. Theapparatus of claim 23, wherein the message contains informationregarding a stop made by a carrier of the piece of luggage orinformation regarding the shipment or the transportation of or involvingthe piece of luggage.
 26. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the messagecontains information regarding an unusual stopping period regarding theshipment or the transportation of or involving the piece of luggage. 27.The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the event is a detection of adeviation from a pre-determined shipment or transportation routeassociated with the shipment or the transportation of or involving thepiece of luggage.
 28. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the event is adetection of an unauthorized carrier or a wrong carrier shipping ortransporting the piece of luggage, a detection of an unauthorizedreceiver of the piece of luggage or a wrong receiver of the piece ofluggage, a detection of an impact experienced by the piece of luggage1 aforce experienced by the piece of luggage, a mishandling of the piece ofluggage, a dropping of the piece of luggage, or an accident involvingthe piece of luggage.
 29. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein theprocessing device detects an occurrence giving rise to an insuranceclaim regarding the piece of luggage, and further wherein the messageincludes insurance claim information.
 30. The apparatus of claim 23,wherein the communication device is a wireless device or a personaldigital assistant.